Ruben Amorim is no longer the manager of Manchester United. © ANSA / ADAM VAUGHAN

Amorim dismissed: First "big bang" of the new year

Manchester United have sacked Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese manager had recently criticized the club's transfer policy and his position on the pitch was precarious.

05 January 2026

From: cst

Ruben Amorim spent 63 games as manager of Manchester United. Now his 40-year tenure has come to an end. As the club announced on Monday morning, Amorim has been relieved of his duties.

The coach had recently hinted that he disagreed with the transfer policy. The squad wasn't strong enough, the Portuguese manager argued – especially given the impending winter departures. Amorim demanded reinforcements so that his 3-4-3 system could function effectively. His relationship with sporting director Jason Wilcox was considered strained.

Darren Fletcher (the U18 coach) will take over temporarily until a long-term solution is presented. "With Manchester United currently in sixth place in the Premier League, the club's board has reluctantly decided that it is time for a change of manager. This is intended to give the team the best possible chance of achieving the highest possible league position," the club said in a brief statement.